RISING IN BURMA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20758, 29 December 1930, Page 9

RISING IN BURMA.

&N ORGANISED REVOLT: > REBELS IN UNIFORM. HUNDREDS OF CASUALTIES. BATTLES WITH POLICE. / DESPATCH OF SOLDIERS. By Telegraph—Pre?s Association—Copyright. ' (Received December 28. MS p.m.) CALCUTTA, Dec. 27. Grave developments have followed the outbreak of rioting in the Tharrawaddy district of Burma, and the news reaching Kangoon shows that the insurgents have become more daring. ,i Mr. H. Fields Clarke, a forest engineer, Was murdered by rebels, who attacked his bungalow, setting fire to it.

A company of the Buffs has been rushed from Rangoon to join the Indian infantry and military police. The insurgents were driven into the jungle after a stubborn fight.

The rebels are well armed and are adopting guerilla warfare, rendering the task of the troops more difficult.

Captain Bust, who led the police in tho clash with the rebels, was injured. 'A military police post at Yedaik was also attacked, but tho rebels were repulsed. !A police officer and another official are missing.

There was another engagement at Insen. It is reported that tho police suffered more casualties. Later details received of tho disturbj snces reveal that it was an organised, large scale revolt. The rebels were thousands strong, attired in a dark uniform, .wearing blue, shirts with a white cross. They were well armed and showed evidence of discipline in the clashes with die troops and police.

They carried out the murders with the greatest ferocity. Their headquarters are believed to be in the heart of the jungle. It is estimated that they lost 1200 killed *nd wounded.

The cause of the revolt is uncertain, but ft is suggested that the rebels are bands of men who are without work owing to tie low price of rice and who are out for loot.

A full battalion of the Burma Rifles has been sent to Tharrawaddy, where disaffection is prevalent. Several towns and villages have formed civil guards to assist the military and police. The rebels are using motor-buses for conveyance of tho to the places attacked.